Since RoscoeBooks opened, we’ve been slowly but surely starting to organize a few gatherings for neighborhood booklovers to meet, discuss books, and drink wine. We were thrilled to see so many Roscoe Villagers out Thursday evening for the second Book Lovers’ Throwdown!

We like to refer to this as our “any book book club” (although we have a normal book club, too!). All you have to do for the Throwdown is bring a book—or two, or ten—and say a few words about it. You can talk about the plot, the author, what you liked or didn’t like, and just about anything else that strikes your fancy!

I always walk away with a stellar list of new books to read and a few new titles to bring into the store. This time, I thought I would share my list with you, oh faithful reader, because that’s the kind of generous bookseller I am! This way, even if you didn’t get a chance to show up Thursday night, you still get the benefit of a great list of recommendations as we move into summer.

God Help the Child by Toni Morrison
The New Toni Morrison… Need I say more? This book was chosen by two different booklovers which, if not a testament to its quality, is certainly a testament to its status as a must-read!

Daylight Marriage by Heidi Pitlor
A wife disappears. A husband is suspect. This novel follows Hannah on the day she disappears.

The Wonder Garden by Lauren Acompora
This new release by Lauren Acampora features a series of linked stories all set in the scariest place of all: Suburbia. Erika described it as “juicy and dark.”

The Whites by Harry Brandt/ Richard Price
We’ve heard from multiple sources that this new offering from Richard Price, author of Lush Life, is well worth the time. See if you can read it in longer than one sitting.

Nero Wolfe Novels by Rex Stout
There’s nothing like the classics to renew a booklover’s vigor! These classic mysteries by Rex Stout are riveting 1930s New York detective stories.

Fourth of July Creek by Smith Henderson
Although we didn’t chat about this one much for obvious reasons, this is a psychological drama to chill your summertime reading list.

In the Time of Butterflies by Julia Alverea
Set during the Dominican Revolution in the 1960s, Alvarez’s novel tells the story of three sisters tragic demise.

The Twelve Tribes of Hattie by Ayanna Mathis
A stirring reflection on the power of motherhood, this novel was on all the best-of lists when it came out in 2013 and deserves another look.

Prayers for the Stolen by Jennifer Clements
Jennifer Clements’ title refers to the stolen women sold through Mexico’s slave trade. This novel came highly recommended, with a preface that it is not a light read.

Mockingbird Next Door: Life with Harper Lee by Marja Mills
Marja Mill’s semi-controversial memoir of her time with Harper Lee couldn’t be more timely with the forthcoming release

Hausfrau by Jill Alexander Essbaum
Part incisive poetic debut, part Fifty Shades of Gray, Hausfrau is a unique novel, to say the least… Not to mention one of the more gorgeous covers we’ve seen all year.

The Son by Philip Meyer
Philip Meyer’s saga about a Texan Family during the 1800s is visceral, violent, and spellbinding. Great for historical fiction readers.

Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng
Celeste Ng’s riveting new novel just came out in paperback (just as in JUST this week!).

Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson
This is possibly one of our most surprising best sellers, what bookseller Greg has called “the REAL next Gone Girl.” A total page turner that you won’t be able to put down.

Bonita Ave by Peter Buwalda
Catch the literary sensation that took the Netherlands by storm. Part Frazen, part Roth, entirely dysfunctional family goodness.

Jitterbug Perfume by Tom Robbins
I added this one as an afterthought since it was recommended to me as the place to start if you’re a Tom Robbins Novice (which I am). Robbins’ casts his absurdist lens on the history of perfume.

Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
The one. The only. If you haven’t read it, read it. If you’ve already read it, Erik Larson just came out with a new book. Or just reread this one. No judgment.

Empire of the Summer Moon by S.C. Gwynne
The historical account of the 40-year-battle between the Comanche Indians and white settlers for control of the American West. It was suggested that this would be an amazing companion to Philip Meyer’s The Son, but you do you.

That’s it for this Throwdown. Make sure to stop by next time so you can hear all the enthusiastic, effusive, energetic praise that was heaped on each of these titles, praise which I couldn’t adequately capture in a single post. I hope your reading lists are now as overstuffed as mine!

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About Emily

Emily is a veteran in the customer service field, waiting tables, making coffee, renting videos (remember those?), and selling books since she was 15 years old. She enjoys glitter pens, drinking wine, critiquing horror movies, and planning vacations that may or may not come to fruition. Perhaps the most accurate thing ever said about Emily is that she is "crafty to a fault." She has a master's, but probably isn't using it the right way. When it comes to reading, Emily is always searching for narrative children's books, multidimensional board books, middle grade novels that make her cry and adult novels centered on concepts of home.